Samir Khalid Samir, S.J. has devoted half a century to Islamic studies, and the English translation of his 2002 interview book on Islam is a welcome reminder that the subject of Islam can elicit more than shrillness. As an introduction to the subject and as an antidote to anodyne apologies, 111 . . . . Continue Reading »
I dont know if Bob Dylan ever read Alasdair MacIntyres discussion of goods internal to practices in After Virtue . But theres no doubt that he gets it. Heres Dylan in a nice interview with Bill Flanagan: Flanagan: If a young man considering a career in the arts . . . . Continue Reading »
Many thanks to Judy for pointing me to Hempel Studios. The Virgin Annunciate, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Potomac, MDHere is a sculptor in conversation with the classical and High Renaissance tradition in Western art, treating sacred subjects without subverting their sacredness or . . . . Continue Reading »
This is not an icon. It is a curiosity. Why is it a curiosity? It is a curiosity because it purports to be an icon, yet its subjects are dogs. Oh, and a cat. Now, the cat will tell you that icons depict holy personages, and dogs are not holy personages. The dogs will ask you what’s for dinner. . . . . Continue Reading »
One of the great things about people is that we can find ways to find humor in almost all situations. Check out these photos of Mexicans wearing surgical masks due to the swine flu. I love the “in your face” quality to this. Also, how humans always find reasons to “do” art. . . . . Continue Reading »
Washington, April 29 — Sen. Arlen Spector of Pennsylvania today announced that he will change gender, in addition to changing his party affiliation from Democratic to Republican.“Our polls indicate that Democratic voters in Pennsylvania thought they were voting for an ‘Arlene . . . . Continue Reading »
Here is a short excerpt of an aticle I just finished writing and that is relevant to Ralph’s Manifesto 1.3.1: The differences between Bushs Executive Order Expanding Approved Stem Cell Lines (June 20, 2007) and Obamas Executive Order overturning it are striking . . . . Continue Reading »
Yesterday, I wrote about futilitarian law professor and blogger Thaddeus Pope’s “Seven Reasons That Might Justify Unilateral Refusal” of Medical Treatment, with my brief responses to each of the seven. Pope has apparently thought about it some more, and revised the post to now list . . . . Continue Reading »
There is a compelling start of a conversation, I see, between Daniel Larison and Noah Millman . Noah began in reaction to Andrew Bacevich’s latest introduction to a book . Bacevich, of course, takes the anti-imperial position of William Appleman Williams to be a clarion wake-up call for any . . . . Continue Reading »